Successful Sarum Saturday

Thanks to the generous permission of the National Trust and local ranger Paul Rowland Sarum had access to Dinton Park for two days (and a night) to put on a variety of events that made full use of the small but beautiful grounds of Philipps House.

On the Friday we put on a Forest League event as part of our outreach activities for local primary schools. This was probably the busiest we have ever been with about 190 children from years 5 and 6 from 12 schools taking part. The open grassland of the park was very different from the usual forest paths that we usually use for these events, though just as muddy. The children really enjoyed the two courses that were provided and although the day was cold there was lots of sunshine which made the day very special. Thanks to all the Sarum volunteers who contributed to making the day such a success.

Unfortunately, the sun did not last and for the two Sarum Saturday events we had to put up with cold and wet conditions for the day and night events. For the day, yellow, orange, green and score courses were available and a score course for the Wessex Night League event. The open ground resulted in some fast times especially on the score courses with a high proportion of runners finding all the controls well within the one hour time limit. We were delighted to see some of the junior Club members turning out to try their skills on proper courses and to help with putting out some of the controls. It was great to see them and their families, and some potential recruits, enjoying their orienteering.

In the daytime event Aurelia Cowan-Deyes (W11) won the White/Yellow course with Elara Jacobs (W10) second and Guy Mitchell (M13) won Orange. The green course was won by Paul Lane (M60) with Polly Jacobs (W40) taking second place. Score course winner was Andrew French. The Wessex Night League event saw 9 of 27 runners gain 500 points or more within the 1 hour time limit with Peter Suba (M40, WSX) taking the honours ahead of club mate Alan Blanchflower (M21).

Thanks must go to everyone in Sarum involved in putting on these events especially Brian for the computers which had to be set up, dismantled and then reassembled in a different location for the night event. All we have to do now is dry out all the tents!